Lateral Meniscus Knee Injury Overview

Another name for Lateral Meniscus Knee Injury is Meniscus Knee Injury.

What is a meniscus knee injury?A person with a meniscus knee injury has torn the meniscus inside the knee joint. The meniscus is made up of two pieces of cartilage: the lateral meniscus and the medical meniscus. The lateral meniscus lies along the outer aspect of the knee joint. The medial meniscus lies along the inner aspect of the knee joint. Both pieces of cartilage help to stabilize the knee joint during movement. Injuries to the medial meniscus are more common than injuries to the lateral meniscus. An injury to the medial meniscus is usually accompanied by injuries to the medial collateral ligament and the anterior cruciate ligament. Meniscus knee injuries are most common in athletes, but may also occur in elderly persons with degenerative arthritis in the knee joint.

How does the doctor treat a meniscus knee injury?The treatment for a meniscus knee injury varies with the severity of the injury. Treatment for a meniscus knee injury may include rest, elevation, cold compresses, crutches, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain. Additional treatment may include an elastic wrap, knee brace, or splint. Treatment for a serious meniscus knee injury may require surgery.